The widows, who were given feeds that would enable them feed the birds for three months, were trained in how to rear birds.

Mrs. Obaseki distributed the birds when she launched the Edo Women for Agriculture programme as part of activities to mark the International Women Day.

She said the empowerment was to give widows monthly stipends and boost the production of rural women, to tackle food shortages and poverty.

The first lady said the programme was for everybody, irrespective of political leanings.

She said: “We will create a revolution in rural poultry production that will increase productivity and income for rural women and empower them to transform access of poor households to source animal protein.

“I brought the best company in poultry business to ensure food security. The demand for chicken and eggs is very high. We will create market for the widows to sell the birds.

“After we succeed with this, we will extend it to thousands of women. I will churn out initiatives for women to have opportunities to be rich.

“We are not doing politics, we are doing governance. Edo indigenes are allowed to join this administration. We will not behave like people with small minds. This is no time for politics.”

Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu said the government would identify people with good initiatives and empower them.

He said vulnerable persons would be empowered.

The deputy governor said the people might have been expecting to go home with sewing machines, motorcycles and hair dressing machines, but the first lady, working in line with All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) mantra, change, gave them chickens, which they could rear and make money.